Sakharov Prize Community Appeal to Urgently Release All Prisoners of Conscience in View of the Covid-19 Pandemic
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Iran Human Rights Defenders Report 2019/20
IRAN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS REPORT 2019/20 Table of Contents Definition of terms and concepts 4 Introduction 7 LAWYERS Amirsalar Davoudi 9 Payam Derafshan 10 Mohammad Najafi 11 Nasrin Sotoudeh 12 CIVIL ACTIVISTS Zartosht Ahmadi-Ragheb 13 Rezvaneh Ahmad-Khanbeigi 14 Shahnaz Akmali 15 Atena Daemi 16 Golrokh Ebrahimi-Irayi 17 Farhad Meysami 18 Narges Mohammadi 19 Mohammad Nourizad 20 Arsham Rezaii 21 Arash Sadeghi 22 Saeed Shirzad 23 Imam Ali Popular Student Relief Society 24 TEACHERS Esmaeil Abdi 26 Mahmoud Beheshti-Langroudi 27 Mohammad Habibi 28 MINORITY RIGHTS ACTIVISTS Mary Mohammadi 29 Zara Mohammadi 30 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVISTS Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation 31 Workers rights ACTIVISTS Marzieh Amiri 32 This report has been prepared by Iran Human Rights (IHR) Esmaeil Bakhshi 33 Sepideh Gholiyan 34 Leila Hosseinzadeh 35 IHR is an independent non-partisan NGO based in Norway. Abolition of the Nasrin Javadi 36 death penalty, supporting human rights defenders and promoting the rule of law Asal Mohammadi 37 constitute the core of IHR’s activities. Neda Naji 38 Atefeh Rangriz 39 Design and layout: L Tarighi Hassan Saeedi 40 © Iran Human Rights, 2020 Rasoul Taleb-Moghaddam 41 WOMEN’S RIGHTS ACTIVISTS Raha Ahmadi 42 Raheleh Ahmadi 43 Monireh Arabshahi 44 Yasaman Aryani 45 Mojgan Keshavarz 46 Saba Kordafshari 47 Nedaye Zanan Iran 48 www.iranhr.net Recommendations 49 Endnotes 50 : @IHRights | : @iranhumanrights | : @humanrightsiran Definition of Terms & Concepts PRISONS Evin Prison: Iran’s most notorious prison where Wards 209, 240 and 241, which have solitary cells called security“suites” and are controlled by the Ministry of Intelligence (MOIS): Ward 209 Evin: dedicated to security prisoners under the jurisdiction of the MOIS. -
Cuba HR Report 2013
Cuba There were some improvements in the human rights situation in Cuba in 2013, although there are still significant areas of concern. The Cuban government’s economic reform programme continued to slowly expand economic freedoms. Ordinary Cubans appeared more willing to speak openly, particularly on economic issues, and were able to travel more freely, thanks to a new migration law. The fact that the Cuban government did not take any action in response to critical statements from the Catholic Church and others may also indicate greater tolerance for debate. Support for social and cultural rights, including free universal access to healthcare and education, were broadly maintained. Religious freedom and LGBT rights continued to be respected. The Cuban government marked International Human Rights Day by organising a human rights forum focused on gender, LGBT, and religious freedoms. However, we also had significant human rights concerns in 2013. The government continued to silence dissent; deny basic civil and political rights; and opposition activists faced short- term detentions throughout the year, including around International Human Rights Day. Media freedom and internet access remain heavily restricted and, although the Cuban government opened 118 new internet cafes on 4 June, the access they provide is restricted and expensive. The judiciary is tightly controlled by the ruling Communist Party. There were six internationally recognised prisoners of conscience in Cuba at the end of 2013. In 2013, the UK continued to raise human rights concerns with Cuban authorities while at the same time engaging constructively to promote reform. We encouraged further progress on political and economic freedoms, and we maintained our engagement with the Cuban government, human rights defenders (HRDs), opposition activists and broader civil society, including the Catholic Church, to encourage positive change on human rights. -
Reporters Without Borders TV5 Monde Prize 2015 Nominees
Reporters Without Borders TV5 Monde Prize 2015 Nominees Journalist Category Mahmoud Abou Zeid, aka Shawkan (Egypt) “I am a photojournalist, not a criminal,” Shawkan wrote from Tora prison in February. “My indefinite detention is psychologically unbearable. Not even animals would survive in these conditions." Shawkan is an Egyptian freelance photojournalist who has been in pretrial detention for more than 760 days. He was arrested on 14 August 2013 while providing the US photojournalism agency Demotix and the US digital media company Corbis with coverage of the violence used to disperse demonstrations by deposed President Mohamed Morsi’s supporters in Rabiaa AlAwadiya Square. Three journalists were killed that day in connection with their work Aged 28, Shawkan covered developments in Egypt closely from Mubarak’s fall to Morsi’s overthrow and on several occasions obtained striking shots of the popular unrest. His detention became illegal in August of this year because, under Egyptian law, pretrial detention may surpass two years only in exceptional cases. Few people in Egypt have ever been held pending trial as long as him. A date has finally been set for the start of his trial, 12 December 2015, when he will be prosecuted before a Cairo criminal court along with more than 700 other defendants including members of the Muslim Brotherhood, which was declared a terrorist organization in December 2013. Many charges have been brought against him without any evidence, according to his lawyer, Karim Abdelrady. The most serious include joining a banned organization [the Muslim Brotherhood], murder, attacking the security forces and possession of weapons. -
Prémio Sakharov Para a Liberdade De Pensamento
PRÉMIO SAKHAROV PARA A LIBERDADE DE PENSAMENTO uma edição: www.carloscoelho.eu por Carlos Coelho Deputado ao Parlamento Europeu, Membro da Comissão das Liberdades Cívicas, Justiça e Assuntos Internos PRÉMIO SAKHAROV PARA A LIBERDADE DE PENSAMENTO Nesta pequena edição divulgo o Prémio Sakharov que é um dos instrumentos da União Europeia para promover os Direitos do Homem no Mundo. O Prémio Sakharov recompensa personalidades excepcio- nais que lutam contra a intolerância, o fanatismo e a opres- são. A exemplo de Andrei Sakharov, os laureados com este Pré- mio são ou foram exemplos da coragem que é necessária para defender os Direitos do Homem e a Liberdade de ex- pressão. 2 3 E QUEM FOI ANDREI SAKHAROV? Prémio Nobel da Paz em 1975, o físico russo Andrei Dmitrievitch Sakharov (1921-1989) foi, antes de mais, o inventor da bomba de hidrogénio. O QUE É Preocupado com as consequências dos seus trabalhos para o futuro da humanidade, O PRÉMIO SAKHAROV? procurou despertar a consciência do perigo da corrida ao armamento nuclear. Obteve um êxito parcial com a assinatura do Tratado O “Prémio Sakharov para a Liberdade de Pensamento” é contra os Ensaios Nucleares em 1963. atribuído todos os anos pelo Parlamento Europeu. Criado em 1988, reconhece e distingue personalidades ou entidades Considerado na URSS como um dissidente que se esforçam por defender os Direitos Humanos e as com ideias subversivas, cria, nos anos setenta, liberdades fundamentais. um Comité para a defesa dos direitos do Homem e para a defesa das vítimas políticas. No dia 10 de Dezembro (ou na data mais próxima), o Os seus esforços viriam a ser coroados com o Parlamento Europeu entrega o seu Prémio no valor de Prémio Nobel da Paz em 1975. -
Editorial a Flower for the Miljmen of Kabul •
>< Cl) .! i ..:s>< .Q Editorial A Flower for the MilJmen of Kabul • .... • •••••••••••••••••• • ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• i:: The turn of the century is full of promise! Within he postcard below is part of a campaign A Flower for the U'Omen of Kabul, • the next few years, at least two new developments in instigated by the European Parliament and supported by Emma Bonino, EU law will come into force strengthening the princi Tthe European Commissioner responsible for humanitarian affairs. This year's ple of equal opportunities. Last December the Coun International Women's Day on 8 March will be dedicated to the women of Kab cil adopted a directive concerning the burden of ul, whose rights have been systematically violated since the Taliban Islamic proof in sex discrimination cases, as well as agreeing regime took control of the city in September 1996. that the principle of non-discrimination for part-time workers be transposed into EU law. Both decisions The plan to put the spotlight on the crisis in Afghanistan and to support the signal a heightened political consciousness concern plight of women in Kabul was set in motion campaign which will culminate on 8 ing equal opportunities but let's be realistic, much re by Commissioner Bonino on her return March. Organising committees have also mains to be done. For this reason it is vital that the from a visit to EU-funded humanitarian been set up in the Member States. current momentum is sustained and built upon. projects in Afghanistan in September 1997. Whilst visiting Kabul's only hospital open to The situation of Afghan women In the short term, the UK Presidency, whose task won1.en, she was arrested and held in deten tion for over three hours by the Taliban re Before the Taliban regime took power (it it is to guide the IS Member States through the de ligious forces. -
With Ursula Von Der Leyen, the Commission of "New Opportunity"
Having problems in reading this e-mail? Click here Tuesday 3rd December 2019 issue 870 The Letter in PDF format The Foundation on and The foundation application available on Appstore and Google Play With Ursula von der Leyen, the Commission of "New Opportunity" Author: Eric Maurice The new Commission entered into office on 1st December. Its president is promising "a transformation process that will impact all of the components of our society and our economy", in a time when the Union wants to play a leading role in the world. With a team that reflects the new political situation in Europe, Ursula von der Leyen will have to work to provide the Union with the means of her ambitions. Read more Front page! : Editorial Foundation : Freedom/Media European Council : President Commission : Entry/Office Parliament : 2020/Budget - Prize/Sakharov - Climate - Protection/Data - Commission Council : Competitiveness - Banks - Transport - Interior Diplomacy : Iran/Instex European Agencies : Ariane - Budget/Space Germany : Budget - SPD Finland : Resignation France : Future/EU - NATO Malta : Resignations Council of Europe : History/Europe ECHR : Russia OECD : Tax fraud - Climate Eurobarometer : Euro - Quality/Air Studies/Reports : Investment - Consumption - Climate - Health Publications : Book/Baltic States Culture : Prize/Cinema - Exhibition/Livourne - Exhibition/Madrid - Exhibition/Paris - Exhibition/Vienna - Exhibition/London Agenda | Other issues | Contact Front page! : Europe: the responsibility of the Member States Six months after the elections, the European institutions are in place. Both Parliament and Commission have indicated their priorities and commitment to try and respond to high expectations on the part of the Europeans. We are now expecting our governments to set the example with real cooperation, writes Jean-Dominique Giuliani in his editorial.. -
Nowruz Action 2020
Nowruz Action کارزار نوروز new day”) is an ancient holiday celebrated on the first day of“) نوروز The Iranian holiday Nowruz spring in the northern hemisphere to welcome in the new year. On this Nowruz we want to remember several courageous prisoners of conscience and prisoners held for politically motivated reasons in Iran with Nowruz greetings. We ask you to send cards with simple Nowruz greetings You can say “thinking of you at Nowruz time” or نوروز مبارک ”such as “Nowruz mobarak “hoping you are well.” You may send a greeting in either English or Farsi (Persian) but please do not mention Amnesty International or specifics of the recipient’s case. Please also refrain from mentioning the political situation, human rights or U.S.-Iran relations. We suggest sending cards with pictures of landscapes, spring flowers or the like, in keeping with the spirit of the holiday and the message of hope and renewal. Please do not choose cards that have pictures of people, and please do not use cards that depict bottles of wine or other alcoholic beverages or gambling. Traditional Nowruz celebrations include the preparation of a Haft Sin table which literally means the seven s’s. Seven items beginning with the Persian letter Sin (equivalent to the English s) and which represent spring time are set out. To honor this tradition, this year Amnesty International has selected seven cases, prisoners of conscience and prisoners held for politically motivated reasons, who have been identified by Amnesty International as “individuals at risk” and are therefore targeted for intensified campaigning. -
Odebrecht Reinforce Offline Rights Violations: Guilty of Corruption
USA: As many as two million people marched in protest in cities across the USA and around the world on 20 January, the day of President Trump’s inauguration. THE GAMBIA: President Jammeh tried to hold onto power despite losing the election, but was forced to stand down after popular and international pressure. JANUARY PAKISTAN: Five social media and blogging activists, outspoken campaigners against the Taliban and the military’s human YEAR IN REVIEW rights abuses were detained and tortured. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Determined to challenge systematic, large- scale corruption, the Green March Movement (Movimiento Marcha Verde) saw an estimated 200,000 people march on 22 January, the largest peaceful demonstration in the country’s history. january YEAR IN REVIEW 2 2017 opened with some notable civil society successes: when the Gambia’s when eight activists were arrested and charged for making allegedly anti- (see below). President Yahya Jammeh tried to cling onto power after losing government statements and insulting the king on social media. an election, unified civil society action was a crucial part of the pressure that forced him to accept the people’s verdict. An access to information bill was In the USA, and elsewhere, attempts were made to suppress protest energies finally approved by parliament in Lebanon, eight years after the first draft by violence and the introduction of constraining laws. InChile , water cannons was presented, following extensive engagement by civil society. In India, were used against Mapuche indigenous protesters seeking the release of Lawyers Collective, a civil society organisation (CSO) that had its registration their detained spiritual leader, and many protesters were detained. -
Nasrin Sotoudeh Has Been Sentenced to 38 Years in Prison and 148 Lashes After Two Grossly Unfair Trials
Third UA: 126/18 Index: MDE 13/0024/2019 Iran Date: 14 March 2019 URGENT ACTION 38 YEARS AND 148 LASHES FOR WOMEN’S RIGHTS DEFENDER Prominent Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh has been sentenced to 38 years in prison and 148 lashes after two grossly unfair trials. The charges against her stem solely from her peaceful human rights work, including defending women’s rights and her outspoken opposition to the death penalty. TAKE ACTION: WRITE AN APPEAL IN YOUR OWN WORDS OR USE THIS MODEL LETTER Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei C/o Permanent Mission of Iran to the UN Chemin du Petit-Saconnex 28 1209 Geneva, Switzerland Dear Mr Khamenei, Nasrin Sotoudeh, a prominent human rights lawyer and women’s rights defender, has been unjustly sentenced to a total of 38 years in prison and 148 lashes following two grossly unfair trials. I appeal to you to release her as she is a prisoner of conscience. On 9 February 2019, Nasrin Sotoudeh was informed by the office for the implementation of sentences in Tehran’s Evin prison, where she is jailed, that the verdict in her most recent court case had been issued. She was allowed to read the verdict, which convicted her on seven charges and sentenced her to 33 years in prison and 148 lashes. Her trial took place on 30 December 2018 before Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran in her absence. She has not been allowed access to her lawyer. Some of the charges against her are related to her opposition to forced hijab (veiling) laws, including “inciting corruption and prostitution” and “openly committing a sinful act…by appearing in public without a hijab”. -
Annual Report12
Annual Report12 Advocating for peace, justice & equality ii Nobel Women’s Initiative Supporting our work for peace The Nobel Women’s Initiative would like to thank the following organizations and individuals whose generous support allowed us to serve as a voice for women, peace and security around the world in 2012: Cynda Collins Arsenault Sarah Cavanaugh Lauren Embrey Sara Vetter Kay Wilemon Nancy and Emily Word Trea Yip FLOW: Funding Leadership and Opportunities for Women of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs MDG3 Fund of the Netherlands Ministry of Development Cooperation Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kalliopeia Foundation Cornell Douglas Foundation UN Women, Latin American and Caribbean Section All of the Nobel Peace Laureates of the Nobel Women’s Initiative in 2012: Shirin Ebadi Mairead Maguire Rigoberta Menchú Tum Leymah Gbowee Tawakkol Karman Jody Williams And many more generous individuals. I think the most powerful thing is women saying over and over and in different places that women have to stand up and take the lead in making the “world a better place for everyone. ”- Jody Williams 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 1 Message from the Nobel Women …humanity is fast evolving to this higher consciousness… We can rejoice and celebrate today because we are living in a miraculous time. Everything “is changing and everything is possible. Mairead Maguire ” Amidst the turmoil of the past year, hope sprang forth as women around the world took the lead in nonviolent movements for change. From the democratic uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa, to the quest for justice for survivors of sexual violence in Central America, and the protests against the oil sands pipeline in North America, women have emerged front and centre, as peacebuilders and commu- nity leaders, to put an end to gender violence, promote just societies, and build healthy, sustainable environments. -
LRWC 2020 Annual Report
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 1 January to 31 December 2020 OUR MISSION CONTENTS Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada (LRWC) is a Our Mission ................................................................... 1 committee of lawyers dedicated to promoting the rule LRWC Constitutions ..................................................... 2 of law and human rights internationally by: Highlights of 2020 ......................................................... 3 . Providing support to lawyers and other human 2000-2020: Honouring Gail Davidson ..................... 3 rights defenders whose rights, freedoms, or Executive Director’s Message ................................... 4 independence are threatened as a result of their human rights advocacy. LRWC Advocacy in 2020 ............................................. 5 . Conducting legal research and producing legal Welcome Developments............................................ 5 analyses of national and international laws and Countries of Concern (21 countries) ......................... 6 standards relevant to advocacy rights, the integrity LRWC and the United Nations ............................... 21 of legal systems, fair trial rights and the rule of Legal Research and Education .................................... 29 law. Publications ............................................................. 29 . Working in cooperation with other human rights Educational events and conferences ........................ 31 organizations. Nominations and awards ...................................... 32 . Engaging in legal -
Amnesty International Report 2014/15 the State of the World's Human Rights
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL OF THE WORLD’S HUMAN RIGHTS THE STATE REPORT 2014/15 AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPORT 2014/15 THE STATE OF THE WORLD’S HUMAN RIGHTS The Amnesty International Report 2014/15 documents the state of human rights in 160 countries and territories during 2014. Some key events from 2013 are also reported. While 2014 saw violent conflict and the failure of many governments to safeguard the rights and safety of civilians, significant progress was also witnessed in the safeguarding and securing of certain human rights. Key anniversaries, including the commemoration of the Bhopal gas leak in 1984 and the Rwanda genocide in 1994, as well as reflections on 30 years since the adoption of the UN Convention against Torture, reminded us that while leaps forward have been made, there is still work to be done to ensure justice for victims and survivors of grave abuses. AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL This report also celebrates those who stand up REPORT 2014/15 for human rights across the world, often in difficult and dangerous circumstances. It represents Amnesty International’s key concerns throughout 2014/15 the world, and is essential reading for policy- THE STATE OF THE WORLD’S makers, activists and anyone with an interest in human rights. HUMAN RIGHTS Work with us at amnesty.org AIR_2014/15_cover_final.indd All Pages 23/01/2015 15:04 AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 7 million people who campaign for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all. Our vision is for every person to enjoy all the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards.